What is this medicine?

METHYLPREDNISOLONE (meth ill pred NISS oh lone) is a corticosteroid. It is commonly used to treat inflammation of the skin, joints, lungs, and other organs. Common conditions treated include asthma, allergies, and arthritis. It is also used for other conditions, such as blood disorders and diseases of the adrenal glands.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

cataracts or glaucoma

Cushings

heart disease

high blood pressure

infection including tuberculosis

low calcium or potassium levels in the blood

recent surgery

seizures

stomach or intestinal disease, including colitis

threadworms

thyroid problems

an unusual or allergic reaction to methylprednisolone, corticosteroids, benzyl alcohol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a muscle, joint, or other tissue. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

mifepristone

radiopaque contrast agents

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

aspirin and aspirin-like medicines

cyclosporin

ketoconazole

phenobarbital

phenytoin

rifampin

tacrolimus

troleandomycin

vaccines

warfarin

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. If you are taking this medicine for a long time, carry an identification card with your name and address, the type and dose of your medicine, and your doctor's name and address.

The medicine may increase your risk of getting an infection. Stay away from people who are sick. Tell your doctor or health care professional if you are around anyone with measles or chickenpox.

You may need to avoid some vaccines. Talk to your health care provider for more information.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor or health care professional that you have taken this medicine within the last twelve months.

Ask your doctor or health care professional about your diet. You may need to lower the amount of salt you eat.

The medicine can increase your blood sugar. If you are a diabetic check with your doctor if you need help adjusting the dose of your diabetic medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

bloody or tarry stools

changes in vision

eye pain or bulging eyes

fever, sore throat, sneezing, cough, or other signs of infection, wounds that will not heal

increased thirst

irregular heartbeat

muscle cramps

pain in hips, back, ribs, arms, shoulders, or legs

swelling of the ankles, feet, hands

trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusually weak or tired

weight gain or weight loss

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):